Hi Kelvin, I like the fact that it's a mainstream device accessible out of the box. This means that you don't have the disadvantages of a comparatively expensive product or the problems of needing to wait for access technology manufacturers to design interfaces with mainstream products or produce updates for specialist technology to catch up with mainstream developments. There are hundreds, probably thousands of accessible apps that will run on the iPad if the functionality out of the box isn't sufficient. You can also connect a Braille display or a Bluetooth keyboard if speech output and touchscreen input don't do it for you. The speech is easily understood even at high speed, and the device is responsive. As you say, it is also instant on. It sounds as though you may have already been able to test your friend's iPad. However, if not or if you're still unsure, you can also try it in the Apple store, though I'd recommend taking a headset if you're going to do this as the background noise will be distracting. The guys in the Apple Store will be able to load Voiceover for you on a demo machine, as well as on any machine that you might choose to buy. Other resellers of the iPad may do the same, but I don't know that for certain. Hope that helps. Ed -----Original Message----- From: infotech-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:infotech-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Kelvin Marsh Sent: 14 August 2012 20:23 To: infotech@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [infotech] Re: Ipad accessibility Many thanks, Ed. I'm looking at the Vision Australia page, and just about to play the MP3s. Can you tell me what you find so good about the Ipad? I'm looking for a note taker as my Type N Speak has finally died <smile>. The instant on and off is appealing. Best wishes, Kelvin Marsh - M0AID Low Vision Liaison RAIBC - The Charity Working for Radio Amateurs with Disabilities www.raibc.org.uk -----Original Message----- From: infotech-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:infotech-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Edward Green Sent: 14 August 2012 18:02 To: infotech@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [infotech] Re: Ipad accessibility Hi Kelvin, I would contend that the iPad is a productive and accessible device, both with and without an external keyboard. There are various resources you could look at. You'll be able to find comprehensive information on the Apple website about the accessibility of the iPad. You could also try the podcasts produced by Vision Australia at http://www.visionaustralia.org/info.aspx?page=2303 Hope that helps. Ed -----Original Message----- From: infotech-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:infotech-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Kelvin Marsh Sent: 14 August 2012 15:18 To: infotech@xxxxxxxxxxxxx; RAIBC@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [infotech] Ipad accessibility Hi All, I'm not sure where I'm going with this, but I was impressed with a friend's Ipad. So far, I've not taken much interest in Apple products and Voice Over, but I'm wondering where I would start with learning if the Ipad can be a productive talking device. Best wishes, Kelvin Marsh - M0AID Low Vision Liaison RAIBC - The Charity Working for Radio Amateurs with Disabilities www.raibc.org.uk To contact the list owners, please send a message to brian.hartgen@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx or terry.clasper@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx To unsubscribe from the list, please send a message to infotech-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word unsubscribe in the subject line. To contact the list owners, please send a message to brian.hartgen@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx or terry.clasper@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx To unsubscribe from the list, please send a message to infotech-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word unsubscribe in the subject line. ----- No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.2197 / Virus Database: 2437/5200 - Release Date: 08/14/12 To contact the list owners, please send a message to brian.hartgen@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx or terry.clasper@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx To unsubscribe from the list, please send a message to infotech-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word unsubscribe in the subject line. To contact the list owners, please send a message to brian.hartgen@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx or terry.clasper@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx To unsubscribe from the list, please send a message to infotech-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word unsubscribe in the subject line.